[cifnmedia] Beaten Staten Island Firefighter to Sue

From: Sean & Kimberly Aaron <cifn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

To: CIFN LIST <cifnmedia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Date: Sat, 27 Mar 2004 04:57:54 -0800 (PST)

Updated: 03-26-2004 09:30:04 AM
Beaten Staten Island Firefighter to Sue
ROBERT WALSH
Courtesy of New York Post
The Staten Island firefighter nearly killed in a booze-fueled New Year's Eve
station house brawl came back slugging yesterday, putting the city on notice he
intends to file a $100 million lawsuit. Robert Walsh, who was bashed in the
head with a metal chair and nearly died, was put on notice Wednesday that he
will be suspended when he's well enough to return to duty.
He was one of five firefighters disciplined for drinking on the job and then
lying about the attack to conceal their night of boozing it up in the
firehouse.
In the notice of claim filed yesterday, Walsh's lawyer, Jonathan Reiter, points
the finger back at FDNY brass for turning a blind eye to "a pattern of alcohol
abuse in the firehouse" leading to the violent attack.
"The key here is when commanding officers set this type of example and
encourage this type of activity by participating in firehouse drinking, these
kind of events like assaults are going to happen," he said.
"Firefighters have to risk their lives fighting fires. They should not have to
risk their lives sitting in firehouses," said Reiter.
Walsh's jaw and eye socket were smashed and his nose almost ripped off by
firefighter Michael Silvestri, 41, in an argument over Elvis Presley's
birthday, according to a report by the city Department of Investigation.
Reiter said the city's report was "full of inaccuracies" including the
accusation that Walsh came up with the lie that he had "fallen down stairs" in
an attempt to cover up the attack and the drinking.
"Walsh was out on his feet. You could have told Walsh he was Mickey Mouse," he
said, adding, "The city is already circling the wagons and attempting to spin
the facts to head off its obvious liability for Walsh's injuries."
Four others - Lts. Gregory McFarland and Raymond Kane and firefighters Joseph
Spitalieri and David Johnsen - were suspended for 30 days.
Capt. Terrence Sweeney was demoted and forced to retire for the cover-up.
Silvestri was arraigned Wednesday on assault charges and is out on $1,000 bail.
Walsh has been undergoing physical therapy since the attack.
"I can tell you his life almost came to an end that night, and right now he is
concentrating on thanking God he is still with us," Reiter said.
Related:
Report: Drinking Already Rampant at S.I. Firehouse Before New Year's Brawl
Four More Suspended in Brawl at Staten Island Firehouse
Report: NYC Firefighters Lied About Fight
Details of FDNY Brawl Indictment Revealed
NYC Firefighter Indicted Over New Year's Brawl
Staten Island Firehouse Polishing It's Image
FDNY Brawler Back on Payroll
Brawling FDNY Captain Was Boozing
FDNY Captain Retires, Pays Fine Over Firehouse Brawl
Beaten FDNY Firefighter Says First Words
Firefighter Charged in FDNY Assault Likely to Lose Job
Taunts, Teasing Part of Firehouse Culture
Dennis Smith: When the Bravest Battle Themselves
FDNY Brawlers Face Hot Seat
6 NYC Firefighters on Desk Duty Post-Brawl
FDNY Brawl Leaves One Man Critically Injured
Sean A. Aaron (CIFN*1)
Central Illinois Fire Network
cifn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.geocities.com/central_illinois_firenet
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